Paja Brava

La Renga's song 'Paja Brava' delves into the mystical and spiritual world of sacred plants and their connection to the earth and the divine. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of various plants and herbs that have been historically used in spiritual and shamanic practices. The song opens with a reference to 'hierba buena,' a term often used to describe beneficial or medicinal herbs, growing with the help of rain and sunlight. This sets the stage for a journey into the natural world, where these plants serve as a 'pasadizo' or passageway to another realm, symbolized by the 'punto rojo' and 'casita de Dios,' which can be interpreted as a sacred space or a divine presence.

The song continues to list various plants such as 'beleño,' 'belladona,' 'amanita,' and 'mandrágora,' all of which have historical significance in different cultures for their psychoactive and medicinal properties. These 'florecitas de mi tierra santa' or 'little flowers of my holy land' are depicted as tools for a 'viajecito para el más allá,' a little trip to the beyond, suggesting their use in spiritual or transcendental experiences. The mention of 'masca coca' and 'cañamo bueno pa'la tristeza' highlights the traditional use of coca leaves and hemp for their uplifting and healing properties.

Further, the song references 'Mescalito,' a spirit associated with the peyote cactus in Native American traditions, and other plants like 'ayaguasca' (ayahuasca), 'San Pedro,' and 'floripondio,' all known for their hallucinogenic effects. These plants are portrayed as guides or companions in a spiritual journey, offering a connection to the divine and the natural world. The repetition of the opening lines at the end of the song reinforces the cyclical nature of life and the enduring presence of these sacred plants in human culture and spirituality.